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Methotrexate the answer?

Hi, I'm new and this is my 1st post. I was diagnosed with SLE about a year ago and have been on plaquenil and prednisone tapers. Now rhumatologist wants me to try Methotrexate since my joint pain has worsened. With reluctance I will try it. I'm sure like others, I hope for something to happen positively...like remission! Any comments about the "start up" side effects and on-going use of this med would be beneficial to hear.

I have had very good results with Methotrexate, my joint pain was way down. Unfortunatly I had to stop the MTX because of high liver enzymes. That might not happen to you, because I also have Autoimmune Hepatitis and ANY meds will make my liver enzymes go up.
You should try it since your rheumy brought it up.

Debbie

I may have been dealt a bad hand, but at least I'm still playing with a full deck. ( most of the time anyway).

Here is some information I found about Methotrexate, I hope it is helpful to you.
Methotrexate is one of the most commonly used drugs for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, and it is used in lupus patients to alleviate the joint pain and swelling of polyarthritis (arthritis involving multiple joints). It is only mildly effective for more severe lupus symptoms involving the kidneys and other organs and should be used carefully in people with these conditions. Historically, methotrexate has been used to treat cancer and psoriasis, a skin condition that can also affect the joints. However, in the late 1980s, the medication was approved by the FDA for the treatment of arthritis and has been used commonly for this ever since. Methotrexate works by interfering with the production of folic acid, which is a building block for growing cells in your body. As a result, methotrexate hinders the growth of certain cells, including those of the immune system. This medication is also steroid-sparing, meaning it can be used in conjunction with steroids to lower the dose of steroid therapy and thus also lower the associated side effects.

Hi there , I am also new to this website and can tell you from experience that I was on methotrexate for nearly a year and it did not put me into remission , it just made me feel worse. Then my specialist decided that proper chemo was the right path and I was on it for 8 months and yes I lost my hair and felt aweful but it worked and I have know been in remission for nearly 5 months . Yes I have had slight flare ups with much less pain than I used to have . To put it to you this way last year i was in hospital every month with a flare up and in hospital for over a week each time , but since the chemo I have not been in hospital once . It's a very difficult one as we suffer the same effects but what medication is it that works well with your body is the question. I really hope you get the answers that you are looking for and if you go ahead with the treatment that it will work for you .